How Often Should I Change The Spark Plugs (GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L)

Which Spark Plugs Should I Buy: AC Delco Or Brand X?

The factory original spark plug, for all GM vehicles, is the AC Delco spark plug. But the answer to this question depends on two things:

If your Chevy or GMC pick-up, van, or SUV's engine is burning oil: Then this means the engine in your vehicle has a lot of miles and a lot of wear and tear! In this case, buy the cheapest platinum tipped spark plugs (even if it's Brand X spark plugs).

Using the most expensive ones (whether they're AC Delco or not) will not make a lick of difference, since the engine is burning oil and they're gonna' get fouled up with oil/carbon pretty soon and cause a misfire.

If your Chevy or GMC pick-up or SUV's engine IS NOT burning oil: Then buy the regular AC Delco platinum tipped spark plugs. This is your best bet to have the best engine performance possible.

Can A Spark Plug Cause A Misfire And Misfire Trouble Code?

Spark plugs can cause a misfire condition and a misfire code (P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, or P0308). There are two specific reasons and I'll elaborate:

Internal mechanical problems are causing the spark plugs to get fouled up with gasoline or carbon.

The most likely causes are:

  • Engine burning oil due to bad piston oil control rings or bad valve stem seals.
  • Fuel injection problems causing the spark plugs to get fuel fouled.
  • Ignition system problems causing a lack of spark to a specific spark plug.
  • Low compression problems in a specific cylinder and causing its spark plug to become fuel fouled or carbon clogged.

Human error causing the spark plug to malfunction.

This is usually caused by spark plug installation problems such as:

  • Breaking the spark plug's insulator (the porcelain part) when tightening the spark plug.
  • Dropping the spark plug and breaking its insulator.
  • Dropping the spark plug and closing the air gap between the center electrode and the side (ground) electrode.
  • Not checking the spark plug's air gap.

More 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L GM Tutorials

To see all of the 4.3L, 5.0L, and 5.7L specific tutorials, go to: GM 4.3L, 5.0L, 5.7L Index Of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

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Chevrolet Vehicles:

  • Astro
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
  • Blazer
    • 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
  • Blazer TrailBlazer
    • 1999, 2000, 2001

Chevrolet Vehicles:

  • C1500, C2500, C3500 Pick Up
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
  • Express Van 1500, 2500, 3500
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
  • G30 Van
    • 1996
  • K1500, K2500, K3500 Pick Up
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Chevrolet Vehicles:

  • K1500, K2500 Suburban
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
  • P30 Van
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
  • S10 Blazer
    • 1994
  • S10 Pick Up
    • 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Chevrolet Vehicles:

  • Silverado 1500 Pick Up
    • 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
  • Tahoe
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

GMC Vehicles:

  • Sierra C1500, C2500, C3500
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

GMC Vehicles:

  • Suburban C1500, C2500
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
  • G3500 Van & Vandura
    • 1996
  • Jimmy & Envoy
    • 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
  • K1500, K2500, K3500 Sierra
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

GMC Vehicles:

  • P3500 Van
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
  • S15 Jimmy
    • 1994
  • Safari
    • 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

GMC Vehicles:

  • Savana Van 1500, 2500, 3500
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
  • Sonoma
    • 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

GMC Vehicles:

  • Yukon
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002

Isuzu Vehicles:

  • Hombre
    • 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Oldsmobile Vehicles:

  • Bravada
    • 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Cadillac Vehicles:

  • Escalade
    • 1999, 2000